An Update on Herbal Remedies for Treatment of Alveolar Osteitis: A Narrative Review

Alveolar osteitis (AO), commonly referred to as dry socket, is a frequent postoperative complication following tooth extractions. It is characterized by acute pain and delayed healing caused by disrupted blood clots and inflammation. Traditional treatments, such as irrigation and medicated dressings, have shown inconsistent success rates. Recently, herbal products have gained attention for their holistic approach in managing AO through their pharmacological properties. This study aimed to comprehensively overview recent clinical studies using herbal products in the treatment of AO. This study also discussed its phytochemical properties, and AO-related pharmacologic action of each herbal product. A literature review was conducted on the databases, consisting of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The articles published from 2010 to 2024 were searched using key terms related to AO. Eight recent articles investigating the clinical efficacy of clove, turmeric, aloe vera, black cumin, and olive oil were selected according to eligible criteria. The findings revealed that these herbal products possess significant therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, as well as wound-healing enhancement, contributing to improved clinical outcomes in AO management. Herbal products represent a promising alternative or adjunctive approach for the treatment of AO. Their therapeutic potential not only alleviates symptoms but also addresses underlying biological processes essential for tissue regeneration. Further research is recommended to establish standardized protocols and dose standardization, since most herbal products vary in bioactive concentration.